Welfare Advisor jobs in Birmingham

Location: Home based with some hybrid working and travel as required.

Salary: £45,000 to £55,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. (Part Time Hours can be negotiated)

Silver Lining Fostering Agency is an Ofsted Outstanding independent fostering agency committed to providing exceptional fostering services and achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people.

We are seeking an experienced, motivated and organised Deputy Team Manager to join our Recruitment & Assessment Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced supervising social worker or senior practitioner who is ready to take the next step into management while remaining actively involved in fostering assessments and service development.

About the Role

Working alongside the Registered Manager, you will support the day-to-day management of the Recruitment & Assessment Team, providing leadership, guidance and quality assurance to social workers undertaking foster carer enquiries, assessments and approvals.

You will deputise for the Team Manager in their absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational oversight.

As part of the role, you will also act as Panel Advisor for approximately one to two fostering panels each month, supporting the smooth running of panel and providing professional advice throughout the process. Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) will be provided for any panel attendance outside your normal working hours.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day management of the Recruitment & Assessment Team.
• Deputise for the Team Manager during periods of annual leave or absence.
• Provide supervision, coaching and professional guidance to social workers.
• Promote high standards of practice, performance and accountability.
• Monitor workloads, allocate assessments and support the team to meet timescales.
• Support the induction and development of new team members.

Recruitment and Assessment

• Oversee enquiries from prospective foster carers through to approval.
• Quality assure Form F assessments and supporting documentation.
• Ensure assessments are child focused, analytical and completed within required timescales.
• Support recruitment initiatives, information events and community engagement.
• Monitor performance against recruitment targets and key performance indicators.
• Carry a small caseload of assessments alongside your management responsibilities when needed

Panel Responsibilities

• Act as Panel Advisor for one to two fostering panels each month.
• Prepare panel documentation and ensure reports meet the required standard.
• Provide professional advice throughout panel proceedings.
• Liaise with panel members, assessing social workers and agency colleagues to ensure an efficient panel process.
• Monitor the implementation of panel recommendations and approval decisions.

Quality Assurance

• Audit assessments to ensure compliance with legislation, regulations and agency procedures.
• Contribute to service development and continuous improvement.
• Promote reflective practice and a culture of learning within the team.

About You

You will be an experienced fostering professional with excellent assessment skills and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience within fostering services.
• Experience completing high-quality Form F assessments.
• Sound knowledge of fostering legislation, regulations and National Minimum Standards.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or supporting practitioners.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and report-writing skills.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Senior Supervising Social Worker, Deputy Team Manager or Team Manager.
• Experience attending or advising fostering panels.
• Management, leadership or Practice Educator qualification.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £45,000 to £55,000, depending on experience.
• Hybrid and flexible working.
• TOIL for panel attendance outside normal working hours.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.
• Supportive leadership within an Ofsted Outstanding agency.
• Pension scheme.
• Annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Opportunities for career progression.

If you are ready to take the next step in your fostering career and help lead an ambitious Recruitment & Assessment Team, we would love to hear from you.

Silver Lining Fostering Agency is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all appropriate safer recruitment checks.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £40,000.00-£48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Work from home

Experience:

• UK Social Work: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• SWE registration (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birmingham (West Midlands)